John Leslie Patton Academic Center senior Uriel Lopez has won the 2017 Congressional High School Art Competition for his pencil work entitled “Preserving Patriot’s Dream.”

The Congressional High School Art Competition is an annual, nationwide art competition initiated by Members of Congress in their respective districts. The competition for the 32nd Congressional District of Texas, organized by Congressman Pete Sessions, was open to all high school students in the district.

Lopez’s artwork will be showcased in the corridor leading to the U.S. Capitol building for the next year. As the Grand Prize recipient, Uriel will join the national winners in Washington, D.C. for the Congressional High School Art Competition award ceremony in June.

“Uriel’s depiction of the famous image of our men and women raising the flag in Iwo Jima beautifully captures our nation’s spirit of patriotism,” said Sessions. “His piece is nothing short of exceptional and I am delighted that visitors from across the country and other Congressional members will be able to see this moving piece each and every day in the United States Capitol building.”

This year’s competition included 11 entries from students representing five local schools and was once again sponsored by The Art Institute of Dallas. Prior to the awards ceremony, the Grand Prize winner and Runners Up honors were chosen by art instructors from The Art Institute. The People’s Choice Award winner was chosen by Congressman Sessions’ constituents through online voting on his website.

Students and schools interested in participating in next year’s Congressional Art Competition may contact Rachel Wong in Congressman Sessions’ Dallas District office at 972.392.0505 for more information.